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UCSB Continuing to LEED the Way

November 18, 2016

CONSTRUCTION ON THE SAN JOAQUIN APARTMENTS is moving along quickly! When it’s finished by this Spring 2017 it will offer earth-friendly living to approximately 1,000 undergraduate students. We are seeking LEED* Platinum Certification through a program administered by the US Green Building Council. Many sustainable measures were incorporated into the project, such as:

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: San Joaquin is conveniently located adjacent to four bus lines with 247 week day rides. Students can access basic resources like grocery stores, restaurants, banks, etc and the university all by public transportation. Less automobiles on the road means fewer carbon emissions that are damaging to the environment.

WATER SAVING LANDSCAPING: No turf was used, drought-tolerant plants were planted, and low flow drip sprinklers were installed. Here in Southern California water is a precious resource we need to conserve so landscaping that uses less water is one way to do this.

WATER SAVING BATH FIXTURES: Every time a resident uses the toilet, washes their hands, or takes a shower they will be using less water.

HIGH EFFICIENCY LIGHTING: Lighting fixtures that use less electricity were installed throughout. This cuts down on the use of coal.

ENERGY STAR APPLIANCES: Energy Star refrigerators, dishwashers and washing machines are being installed. These appliances are designed to use less electricity, gas and water.

MATERIALS: Many materials that are normally used in construction contain toxic chemicals. Each building incorporates low VOC paints and adhesive on all walls, trims and moldings. There is also Green Label Plus Carpeting in the units, which means there are much fewer toxins than in traditional paints and carpets. Fewer toxins mean cleaner air quality in the home and healthier living.

CARBON MONOXIDE MONITOR: Carbon Monoxide is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that is highly toxic to humans and can be hard to detect. Monitors were installed on each floor so if for some reason there is Carbon Monoxide in the air, an alarm will go off.

It is our hope that these initiatives will have a positive impact on the environment and support UCSB on its way to becoming a sustainable community. Together we can make a difference!*Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design. LEED is a program administered by the U.S. Green Building Council in an effort to encourage energy and water efficiency; improve indoor environmental quality; use recycled, renewable, and locally available materials; and optimize the way the building and its site interact with the surrounding area. Within each category, points are assigned for the use of different design measures, material choices, or construction practices, the accumulation of which leads to one of four levels of certification, platinum being the highest.